INTRODUCTION 



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AND 



HISTORY OF HORSE-SHOEING. 



lA^TRODUCTIOX. 



Feom the description of its structure and functions, hereafter 

 given, the hoof will be seen to act as a protective covering to 

 the sensitive structures of the foot. In the wild horse this 

 protection is perfect. In proportion as the bearing surface of 

 the hoof wears away, it is renewed from above ; but immediately 

 the horse is made to draw or carry on ordinary roads, the hoof 

 wears more rapidly than it can be produced. Some artificial 

 protection then becomes indispensable, and in almost all 

 countries this takes the form of an iron strip or plate, fastened 

 to the hoof with nails, and termed a ' shoe.' Everything relating 

 to the preparation and application of such means of protection 

 comes within the sphere of horse-shoeing, which therefore 

 may claim to be both a science and an art. A science, because 

 a knowledge of horse-shoeing presupposes an acquaintance with 

 the principles and practice laid down by veterinary surgery for 

 the maintenance of the hoof in a sound condition, for im- 

 proving the faulty, and partially or completely restoring the 

 function of the diseased. Horse-shoeing derives from anatomy 

 a knowledge of the construction of the foot, from physiology 

 relative guidance in treatment, and from surgery an acquaint- 

 ance with the methods appropriate to the relief of diseases of the 

 foot. Horse-shoeing is an art, because its exponents are handi- 

 craftsmen engaged not only in the making of shoes, but in fashion- 

 ing them to the foot, the ground surface of which demands careful 

 preparation to ensure a correct position of the limb, and there- 

 fore normal action, and to secure proper fitting of the shoe. 



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